The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) today passed a resolution to oppose the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pyniaid Sing Syiem brought the resolution during the first day of the Budget Session opposing the move of the Centre to implement UCC.
Syiem said the UCC will dilute the long-standing customs and practices of the indigenous tribes of the state. Referring to Article 244 (2) and Article 275 (1) of the Indian Constitution, he said that the tribes of the state have unique custom and traditions, have ownership over lands, follow a matrilineal system, and have the traditional institutions from times immemorial, etc and have been further recognize through the various provisions under the 6th Schedule.
“We as MDCs have been empowered to bring laws to protect and preserve our customary practices and tradition and through this resolution we want to show that we strongly oppose the implementation of the UCC in the state,” he said.
Leader of Opposition Titostarwell Chyne also supported the resolution. He said the UCC will also affect the religious institutions including marriages, succession and adoption and a great danger awaits the state if this is implemented.
While the Law Commission of India is still seeking the views and opinions on the matter Chyne said the district council should take the opportunity to not only to oppose the UCC but to write to the commission and submit its resolution.
Former Deputy Chief Minister and nominated MDC Bindo M Lanong also supported the resolution and said for the past 76 years no governments had the courage to implement the UCC until now under the present dispensation.
